The Great Australian Shiraz Challenge has become Australia’s most pre-eminent, single class wine competition and in 2024, celebrates its 30th anniversary.
The Challenge, Chaired by Tahbilk Group Director, Alister Purbrick is a unique opportunity for Australia’s premier red Winemakers to showcase their Shiraz, benchmark winemaking and regional points of differences and assist with reinforcing the reputation of the variety as a National and International wine icon.
Nationally, Shiraz plantings are considerably more than any other red varietal, the challenge for Australian Winemakers is to effectively promote this iconic variety. Over the past 30 years, The Great Australian Shiraz Challenge has played an important role by raising industry, press and consumer awareness both Nationally and Internationally.
The 2024 Challenge continues the spectacular evolution of the event over the last 30 years; wines entered are classed and tasted based on climate and regional points of difference, this ensures all entries are judged fairly and objectively. In 2016, individual State based trophies and the best Shiraz over 5 years old were introduced; in 2021, the Best Organic Shiraz Trophy acknowledged Winemakers commitment to this category and in 2022, a Sparkling Shiraz class was introduced, further enhancing the broad appeal of the Challenge.
“I commend the Saint Martin, 2024 Great Australian Shiraz Challenge, to you as one of Australia’s most prestigious and highly respected wine awards. The event has also played an important role in creating considerable consumer awareness in this iconic Australian grape variety. I encourage you to take up the challenge and enter one or more of your Shiraz in this year’s event.”
Alister Purbrick
Chairman, Great Australian Shiraz Challenge
Diary Dates for the 2024 Challenge
Call for entries / online live
Monday August 5th
Entries close
Friday September 6th
Judging
Tuesday October 1st – Thursday 3rd
Awards / Online Reveal
Friday November 2nd
Testimonials
Riversdale Estate
2022 – 2023 Best Shiraz of Show
“As a Winemaker it is a surreal moment when you get that call from a wine show to let you know that your wine has got the top accolade at any show and to achieve this at one show in back to back years really puts a stamp of approval on the wines you produce and just shows consistency in your ability but also consistency in the judging panel of that show.
To be the under dogs in Shiraz/Syrah production in Australia down in Tasmania is pretty tough but getting the recognition from the Great Australian Shiraz Challenge in back-to-back years should really show the country that we are progressing and looking to push the Syrah boundaries down in the apple isle.
We will continue to support the good work of the Great Australian Shiraz Challenge and looking forward to seeing what the next 30 years hold for the Syrah industry in Australia.”
Jasper Marais
Winemaker: Riversdale Estate
